Firefighters across Coventry took part in a minute?s silence yesterday to remember colleagues from around the world who have died in the line of duty.

The tribute, part of the fire service?s International Day of Remembrance, was particularly poignant just days ahead of the first anniversary of the terrorist attacks on America. A total of 343 firemen and women were killed in the September 11 attacks on New York and Washington.

At 3.30pm those stations that had flags flew them at half mast and station officers led red watch firefighters out on parade to mark their respects. Firemen and women at stations in Radford Road, Canley, Foleshill and Binley all joined in the silent tribute.

Station officer Vaughan Pollard, of the Radford Road station, said: ?This minute?s silence is for us to remember all those firefighters that have been killed in the line of duty and we have been doing this since 1991.?

Firefighters will also remember those who lost their lives in America when they march at Coventry Cathedral on Wednesday.

Mr Pollard added: ?This is a dangerous job and people do die, maybe our employers should be thinking about that when they offer us a 4 per cent pay rise.

?The job has been modernised and we have so many other responsibilities that come with it.

?It would only cost 41p per household per week to meet our demands and if people are willing to pay that then we wouldn?t have to strike.?

Seven West Midlands fire-fighters will attend the official memorial service at the World Trade Centre site this week.

Joined by Birmingham historian Carl Chinn and civilian members of the Friends of FDNY 911, on Wednesday, they will stand in silence alongside FDNY officers to pay their respects and remember those who died in the terror attacks on the Twin Towers.